AI and Entertech: Shaping the Future of K-Content and Advancing the Korea-U.S. Alliance

The future of K-content lies in AI and advanced technology. Seonghwa Ko, chair professor at Dongguk University, proposed the establishment of a “Korea-U.S. Entertech Alliance” based on AI and entertainment at CES 2026, the world’s largest IT exhibition. This proposal serves as a strategic initiative to drive the next phase of Hallyu, namely “Next Hallyu.”

Professor Ko made this statement during his keynote speech at the “Next K-Wave Entertech Forum” held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on the 7th. Also a member of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee, he emphasized the need for an alliance that brings together South Korean and American online video service (OTT) providers, AI platform operators, content creators, and startups to collaborate and unite.

Hallyu is already occupying a leading position in AI-driven content production. Many domestic entertainment companies utilize AI in K-pop music creation, and recently they have begun using AI to develop virtual idols such as Plave. In the film industry, AI, which was previously used only in computer graphics (CG) and visual effects (VFX), is now being integrated into the entire production process of movies and dramas.

The specific entertech initiatives proposed by Professor Ko are highly ambitious. Examples include jointly creating multinational virtual idols using generative AI, holding real-time interactive global fan concerts through XR headsets and augmented reality (AR) glasses, and delivering Korean dramas, K-pop, and K-webtoons tailored to individual preferences in autonomous and connected vehicle environments.

The foundation for the growth of Hallyu is already in place. According to a global entertainment trends report released by Luminate at Mipcom in France, as of 2024, there were 60 Korean-produced original series broadcast on major streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, surpassing Japan with 35 titles and Brazil with 22 titles. Additionally, from 2022 to 2025, South Korea accounted for 13.5% of overseas filming locations for U.S. TV shows, ranking second only to Canada at 21.7%.

Professor Ko stated, “The content industry must now move beyond simple production, consumption, export, and import relationships.” He explained that “creating deeper cultural resonance across borders and ethnicities is the direction Next Hallyu should pursue.” The government also aims to expand areas of cultural creation, appreciation, and exchange through AI to build an “AI-based cultural powerhouse” enjoyed worldwide. Under this vision, it plans to foster an AI-driven creative ecosystem and promote the simultaneous global expansion of K-content.